My Cape Town

An event held on a school sports field generally holds promise of little more than a ponderous brass band and a tombola manned by an Enthusiastic Father.  But Camps Bay High School is no ordinary venue.  And the event was, well... the restaurant equivalent to winning a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s factory.

Taste of Cape Town quite simply blew me away.  And not just because I’m an Augustus Gloop.  Anyone would love it if they like their food.  And their wine.  And a fantastic atmosphere out in the open with a bit of music and a sea breeze and a glorious view over mountains and ocean.

Sixteen of Cape Town’s top restaurants (including Aubergine, Jardine, Bread & Wine, Le Quartier Francais, Reuben’s and Salt) were offering mouth-watering sample dishes of their cuisine. The choice was overwhelming.  Just reading the various menus had my salivary glands kicking into overdrive. But for someone who is often afflicted by order envy, what a joy to have a chance to sample so much!  Perhaps given the copious amounts of wine I managed to “taste”  the individual dishes might be a bit of a blur in my memory but even now, a few weeks later, I go weak at the memory of Jardine’s West Coast Crayfish, Smoked Tomato and Basil Risotto.

And what an evening.  Even the stands were delicious.  It was like being at an interiors expo, and drunk on food (and yes, a little wine) I bumped my way past salsa dancers and swing bands, towering orchids and huge vases of lilies. I even met a model who had been hired just to sit and look beautiful in the entrance to one tent. Seating ranged from decadent sofas on Turkish rugs through to fresh al fresco cafes and laid back smoky bars.  But I couldn’t sit still... instead, grinning, I stumbled around with my fork poised for the next dish.

What a great start to the gourmet season in Cape Town.  We’ve since had the Table of Peace & Unity on Table Mountain and now look forward to the Good Food & Wine Show and Restaurant Week . Some of the days are still hot enough to melt socks, but the evenings are getting decidedly cooler and many restaurants are already rolling out their winter menus.  Aah, May... month of cool nights and log fires, plenty of wine and gourmet food.  Lots and lots of food.  Tempted?

Daisy

Contact me

Go to Cape Concierge website

Guest House of the Month

ELLERMAN VILLA
Bantry Bay

At the private entrance on the lower ground floor a Beezy Bailey sculpture stands sentry next to a black marble waterfall which plunges into a bed of weathered pebbles.  From here a lift connects all levels of the house, hugged all the way by a curved staircase with rail bound in leather.

The ground floor is a spa which can be booked  exclusively with the villa or can remain available to guests from the main house who use a separate garden entrance.  There are two bedrooms on this floor which may be taken in addition to the three bedrooms of the villa.

Above, on the first floor, is the open plan living area which flows outdoors to the endless horizon with massive glass windows which peel back completely to open up the lounge, dining room and study to the magnificent views of the ocean and sunset.  A separate entertainment room with plasma TV, DVDs, and CDs downloaded into the house’s main server, leads into a high tech stainless steel kitchen fully stocked with delicacies from the best gourmet shops in the city.

And perched above everything else on the upper floor are the three en-suite bedrooms of the villa, each with a distinctive style and a commanding view.

The villa glories in its cutting edge design and its collection of bold, beautiful artwork. Throughout the property slick modernity is successfully coupled with incredibly comfortable design principles while cool colours, inspired by the refreshing palette of the Atlantic Ocean, define the interior.

It even has its own butler to cater to the guests’ every whim.  What’s not to love?

Airport: 25 mins drive
Bars and restaurants: a good selection within 5 mins drive
City Centre: 8 mins drive
Nearest beach: Clifton beaches, within walking distance

Contact me  for more information.

Rates are R 34 500 / R 40 000 pn (three bedrooms) R 43 700 / R 50 000 pn (five bedrooms) and R 50 000 / R 60 000 pn (five bedrooms and exclusive use of spa).  Rates are given as up to 30 Nov 2008 / up to 30 Nov 2009.

Rates include:
Private butler and assistant                         
Airport transfers
Ad hoc secretarial services
Same day laundry service 
Fully stocked fridge with luxury nibbles
Technologically advanced electronic equipment
Personal chef (for breakfasts and otherwise by arrangement)
Fully stocked bar with freshly squeezed juices, beers, spirits and chosen house wines
Private entrance with 24 hour monitored security and private and secure parking

Upcoming Events

Highlights for May, selected from WhatsoninCapeTown.com   - the indispensable guide to all that's happening in Cape Town.   For full details and more events, check out the website.  Upcoming events include festivals, shows and fairs; music, theatre and dance; cricket and other sporting events; comedy and concerts and exhibitions; celebrations of wine and whiskey, flowers and freedom... bring it on, Cape Town!   

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MARC LOTTERING ON BROADWAY
to 27 May
Back by popular demand, one of SA's most popular comedians shares his latest stand-up material. 

CECIL SKOTNES: A Private View
to 18 June
An intimate view of this icon of the South African art world, with letters and personal memorabilia as well as drawings, cartoons, watercolours, prints and works of art on paper. 

50 CENT IN CONCERT
3 May
The groundbreaking Hip Hop legend and his world renowned posse are in town. 

RUGBY: VODACOM SUPER 14
3 May
Local boys the Vodacom Stormers vs Brumbies (Capital Territory, Oz).

RIEBEECK VALLEY OLIVE FESTIVAL
3 May - 4 May
A feast of wine, food and live entertainment with country hospitality.

PUPPET THEATRE: WOYZECK ON THE HIGHVELD
6 May - 17 May
This first collaboration between Handspring Puppet Company and renowned artist and film maker William Kentridge brings together rod-manipulated puppets and animated film.  The production has toured the world and received rave reviews. 

STARFINDER COURSE
7 May - 28 May
Well-known astronomer and lecturer, Prof Tony Fairall, returns to present his popular 4 week introductory course in astronomy.

AUTUMN CONCERT SERIES: 1
8 May
The Principal Conductor of the English Chamber Orchestra, Ralf Gothóni, joins one of the world’s most outstanding cellists, Arto Noras, and internationally renowned violinist Elina Vähälä. 

SEXPO
8 May - 11 May
The world’s largest sexual lifestyle and health expo.

CABARET
8 May - 31 May
Based in a decadent Berlin of 1931 where morally ambiguous inhabitants try to keep up appearances as the world prepares for war. 

CAPE GOURMET FESTIVAL: RESTAURANT WEEK
9 May - 18 May
Participating restaurants serve a specially designed two-course gourmet lunch and/or a three-course gourmet dinner at bargain prices. 

RUGBY: VODACOM SUPER 14
10 May
Local boys the Vodacom Stormers vs Waratahs (New South Wales, Aus). 

BALLET: THE MERRY WIDOW
10 May - 25 May
The Cape Town City Ballet and the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra present the famous ballet: an intoxicating tale of money, romance and intrigue in the heart of Paris at the beginning of the last century.  Gala evening on 24 May.

BALLET: COPPELIA
13 May - 22 May
Affectionately known as the Toy-Shop Ballet, this production is performed by the Cape Town City Ballet, Dance for All Youth Company and the Cape Junior Ballet. 

THE GOOD FOOD AND WINE SHOW
15 May - 18 May
The latest and finest of everything related to the world of food, wine, lifestyle and gourmet travel.

FRANSCHHOEK LITERARY FESTIVAL
16 May - 18 May
South African writers and award-winning international authors interact with audiences at informal talks, readings and discussions in intimate venues in the village centre. 

BIODIVERSITY EXPO 2008
22 May
Current biodiversity conservationists display details of their projects and initiatives in the Cape Floral Region.

5TH NIGHT OF THE LEGENDS CONCERT
24 May
Five of the world's greatest musical couples under one roof: Womack & Womack (UK), SA's cultural ambassadors Caiphus Semenya & Letta Mbulu, R&B artists and songwriters Ashford & Simpson (US), and mellow-voiced Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore (US).

CELEBRATE LIFE FESTIVAL
24 May - 25 May
An annual event promoting all things natural, organic, eco-friendly and healthy. Expect speakers, drumming, belly dancing, 
Tai Chi, crystals and more. 

JAMES BLUNT IN CONCERT
28 May - 29 May
The multi-award winning, platinum-selling British artist promotes his new album, All the Lost Souls. 

TORCHLIGHT TREASURE HUNT
29 May
Teams are given a series of riddles and tasks and must sleuth their way through different levels and exhibits of the Iziko South African Museum in search of ‘treasure’. All ages welcome. 

MEERLUST WINE-TASTING
29 May
A chance to taste the new range with Chris Williams, longstanding member of the Meerlust winemaking team.

PATRICK HOLFORD SA TOUR
29 May - 30 May
Global health guru, Patrick Holford, is visiting South Africa for a two-week seminar tour on how to achieve optimum nutrition and great health through simple dietary intervention.